Slots Still Available for Summer Programs; Sign Up Online

5/9/2013

Slots are still available for the Chicago Park District's popular summer day camps and programs. See what's available and sign up online now.

Each summer, the Chicago Park District provides more than 30,000 campers ages 6-12 with a season of supervised activity at more than 230 local parks. Children will go on field trips; explore nature, arts and culture; engage in sports and recreation; and enjoy pool time. To watch a video about summer day camp, click here.

As part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s new Summer of Learning initiative, summer camps will now include 20 minutes of dedicated reading time. Summer of Learning represents the first coordinated and dedicated approach of its kind for youth in every neighborhood to access high-quality programs that will help them continue to learn even when school is out.

The Chicago Park District’s summer day camp hours vary for each location with typical camps running about six hours per day from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. or 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Many parks offer early morning and late-day sessions as well. Fees vary depending on location, offerings and hours.

Standard day camps run for six weeks from July 1 – Aug. 9. Parents seeking programs in August are encouraged to also register their children for specialty and late-summer camps. Education and character-building components are combined with recreation at several of the Park District’s specialty camps including cultural arts, leadership, sports, and urban campers. Click here for more information.

The Chicago Park District experienced record numbers in 2012 for program registration. Compared to 2011, last summer saw a 20% increase in children enrolled in summer programs, and fall registration was up nearly 25%. Given the popularity of programs, patrons are encouraged to follow the registration tips listed below.

Family Discount

When patrons register for two or more programs for family members less than 18 years of age in one transaction, the order qualifies for a 10% discount on the less expensive program(s).

Discount is available for online and in-person orders, but cannot be combined with the CHA or DCFS discount programs. All family members should be entered into one account on the Chicago Park District’s registration system.

Financial Assistance

The Chicago Park District has limited funds available to provide financial assistance for families who wish to enroll in the 2013 summer day camp program.

Financial assistance is only available to City of Chicago residents.

Applicants must provide proof of entitlement for the reduced or free lunch program from the patron’s school. Applicants who do not participate in the school lunch program can prove eligibility by providing income verification (i.e., 2013 recent pay stubs for last 30 days, AFDC/TANF case #, a copy of a recent IRS 1040 form, etc.). Information submitted is confidential.

Applicants must bring copies of the required documents to their desired park at the time of in-person registration.

Eligibility for financial assistance does not guarantee a slot for day camp and cannot be used in conjunction with any other reduced/voucher programs.

Applicants that do not qualify for financial assistance may inquire about the payment plan option at their local park.

More Information

In addition to summer day camps, the Park District offers thousands of sport and fitness, cultural and environmental programs for adults, seniors, teens and youth. Regular summer programs run the week of June 17 through the week of August 19.

The Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks, to expand your horizons by registering for one of our thousands of programs offered throughout our 260 field houses, to get a great workout indoors at one of our state-of-the-art fitness centers, or outdoors along Lake Michigan’s 26 miles of pristine lakefront, or enjoy nature with a peaceful visit.